How does Forto integrate with our existing systems?

Forto offers both standard and customized integration options. Standard integrations allow customers to connect quickly with limited effort, while customized integrations support more complex requirements. In both cases, Forto’s integration experts support the implementation to ensure compatibility with existing systems and consistent, reliable data quality across workflows.

How does Forto ensure reliability and accountability during and after the transition?

Forto’s operating model is designed to ensure reliability throughout onboarding and ongoing operations. Digital tools support visibility, coordination, and consistent data quality across systems, while experienced Forto logistics experts take clear ownership of execution. Our customers work with dedicated contacts who oversee the transition, address issues early, and ensure accountability doesn’t get lost between systems or teams.

Do we need to fully switch, or can we start incrementally?

A full switch isn’t always required. Some companies prefer to introduce Forto alongside existing logistics partners before expanding further. This incremental approach allows teams to test workflows, build confidence, and scale at their own pace, depending on operational needs.

What differentiates Forto from other digital-first freight forwarders?

Forto uses its own proprietary technology and freight-forwarding TMS, Faro, allowing us to produce, curate, and manage our own data. The result is tighter workflows, more consistent data quality, and better alignment between planning, execution, and visibility. Forto’s AI-optimized processes increase efficiency across the shipment lifecycle, while logistics experts manage operations and performance. This combination enables consistent, reliable day-to-day operations across global shipments. For a deeper look at how Forto’s customer-centric approach brings technology and expertise together, explore our article on Customer-centric logistics services.

When to change your freight forwarder and how to do it right

Many logistics teams will tell you they barely have time to manage day-to-day operations, let alone plan what comes next. Instead, time is often spent firefighting and responding to disruptions rather than focusing on long-term performance and growth. Meanwhile, expectations from leadership and downstream customers continue to rise as real-time visibility, speed, and accuracy become the baseline rather than the differentiators.

In global freight forwarding, digital-first models are becoming the norm. Market data shows that their adoption is accelerating, with growth expected to approach 20% annually over the coming years. This reflects the step change digital tools are bringing to logistics operations.

That shift, however, creates a familiar dilemma. Sticking with the current setup feels increasingly risky, but changing freight forwarders raises valid questions around complexity, continuity, and operational risk.

In this article, we examine when it makes sense to change your freight forwarder, and how to do it in a controlled, low-risk way, whether that involves starting incrementally or making a broader transition over time.

Why companies decide to change freight forwarders

In general, the decision comes down to a mix of day-to-day operational challenges and broader strategic demands.

Operational constraints

Working with traditional or legacy systems leaves operations teams dealing with issues such as:

Fragmented communication and poor document traceability
Logistics coordination often relies on long email threads, scattered attachments, and multiple document versions. Changes and decisions aren’t always clearly documented, leading to slow response times and inaccuracies.

Delayed or limited shipment visibility
In global transport, conditions can change within hours. Without real-time, centralized shipment data, teams struggle to maintain an accurate overview, making it harder to respond quickly and keep stakeholders informed.

Manual coordination and document handling
Freight forwarding remains document-intensive. Manual handling of customs paperwork, bills of lading, and certificates is time-consuming and increases the risk of errors and delays.

Slow exception handling
Limited data visibility and inflexible systems make it difficult to detect, prioritize, and resolve disruptions before they escalate.

Strategic drivers

Alongside the day-to-day challenges come the broader strategic needs:

Digitization of logistics operations
Teams are under growing pressure to modernize processes, reduce manual effort, and improve decision-making through better data and automation.

Rising expectations from stakeholders and downstream customers
As digital experiences improve across industries, logistics teams increasingly expect greater transparency, faster responses, and more control over their shipments.

A changing competitive landscape
Competitors and peers are adopting digital tools to operate with greater visibility, agility, and resilience. The market is moving in one direction, and standing still feels increasingly risky.

Why digital-first freight forwarding is becoming the default

If you’re in the process of rethinking your freight forwarding model, you’re probably not looking for “more technology” per se. You’re looking for more control, speed, and reliability in daily operations.

Digital-first freight forwarding is becoming the default choice precisely because it supports these needs:

Visibility as a baseline
Real-time insight into where shipments are and what’s happening has become essential, replacing delayed updates and fragmented information spread across emails and spreadsheets.
Faster, better-informed decision-making
Access to live shipment data enables teams to spot issues earlier, prioritize exceptions, and act before problems escalate.
Easier coordination across teams and partners
Digital platforms reduce manual handoffs and misalignment among suppliers, carriers, and internal teams by providing a shared view of each shipment, including centralized communication and documentation.

Greater resilience when disruptions occur
As volatility becomes more common, digital-first forwarders make it easier to adapt routes, schedules, and priorities with less operational disturbance.
The ability to scale without adding complexity
As volumes, lanes, and partners increase, digital systems help maintain control without increasing manual workload.

Ultimately, this shift is about ensuring your choice of freight forwarding partner and setup reflects how global logistics operates today, giving you the visibility, agility, and resilience needed to stay competitive.

What needs to be in place to switch with confidence

Hesitation often comes from uncertainty about how smoothly the transition can be managed without disrupting operations.

For a switch to feel controlled and secure, a few fundamentals should be in place:

Clear ownership throughout the transition
Defined responsibilities and clear points of contact, so nothing falls between the cracks during the handover.
Secure, well-structured integrations
Systems that fit existing workflows, supported by a freight forwarding partner with strong technical expertise to ensure secure and reliable data exchange.
Continuity of visibility and data
Consistent insight into shipments throughout the transition period.
A structured onboarding
A clear plan that minimizes friction for all stakeholders and keeps operations running smoothly.
Hands-on support and proactive exception handling.
Dedicated support during the transition, with issues identified early and handled quickly.

When these conditions are met, changing freight forwarders becomes a managed process rather than a leap into the unknown. It allows teams to focus on improving performance instead of managing risk.

Why Forto is the right choice for this kind of transition

Forto is a digital-first freight forwarder built to support change, combining technology and data with deep logistics expertise. Across sea, air, and rail, including pre- and on-carriage, Forto supports the full range of transport modes, ensuring continuity even as companies introduce new partners or adjust their freight forwarding approach.

Our platform and operating model enable visibility and control, while our operations teams provide hands-on support throughout the transition and beyond.

A digital platform for visibility and control

Forto’s platform, Ship by Forto, enables transparency and control over all aspects of your operations, from booking through to delivery and document handling, with key milestones communicated via timely notifications.

You retain an overview of your cargo throughout its entire journey and can communicate easily with stakeholders and the Forto operations team. Our data is supported by 100+ logistics partners, ensuring accuracy and reliability, enabling you to make decisions with confidence.

Service excellence enabled by an AI-powered TMS

Flash by Forto is our Co-Pilot for the operations teams. It supports execution behind the scenes by automating routine operational workflows across the shipment lifecycle.

By reducing manual effort and standardizing processes, it helps improve response times and consistency, allowing Forto’s operations teams to focus on exceptions and customer-critical tasks.

Human expertise and clear accountability

Technology alone doesn’t move freight. At Forto, every customer is supported by experienced logistics professionals who take clear ownership, particularly during onboarding.

From the initial transition through ongoing operations, you work with dedicated contacts who understand your needs, closely monitor performance, and intervene early when issues arise.

Together, Forto’s technology and human expertise enable a controlled, low-risk transition and set the stage for long-term operational success.

How Forto supports a smooth and secure transition

Changing or adding a freight forwarder doesn’t have to disrupt ongoing operations. Forto’s onboarding and integration process is designed to ensure continuity, clarity, and control from the start, whether you’re transitioning fully or introducing Forto alongside existing partners.

A structured onboarding process

Every transition begins with a clear onboarding plan tailored to your setup. This includes aligning on lanes, volumes, systems, and responsibilities upfront, so everyone involved knows what to expect and when.

Secure, flexible integrations — standard or tailored

Forto offers both standard and customized integration options, allowing you to connect quickly with minimal effort or design a tailored setup for more complex requirements. In both cases, our integration experts support the process to ensure a secure, reliable connection that fits your existing systems and workflows.

Continuity across shipments

Shipments already in transit remain fully visible during the transition. Data continuity ensures you maintain visibility across milestones, documentation, and status updates.

Dedicated support and clear ownership

Throughout the transition, Forto provides dedicated points of contact who oversee onboarding and execution. Responsibilities are clearly defined, ensuring accountability and fast resolution if questions or issues arise.

An incremental approach

For some companies, introducing Forto alongside existing forwarders is the preferred option, rather than making an immediate full switch. This allows teams to test, learn, and scale at their own pace.

Whether gradual or full, a transition to Forto is designed to be a transparent, controlled process that supports business continuity and long-term operational performance.

What customers say about working with Forto

“From bespoke quotes to proactive updates, Forto’s operational team ensures a seamless journey. Their rapid response in times of urgency exemplifies their commitment.”

Thomas Bailey,
Senior Operations Manager, Dance

Frequently asked questions

Forto offers both standard and customized integration options. Standard integrations allow customers to connect quickly with limited effort, while customized integrations support more complex requirements. In both cases, Forto’s integration experts support the implementation to ensure compatibility with existing systems and consistent, reliable data quality across workflows.
Forto’s operating model is designed to ensure reliability throughout onboarding and ongoing operations. Digital tools support visibility, coordination, and consistent data quality across systems, while experienced Forto logistics experts take clear ownership of execution.
Our customers work with dedicated contacts who oversee the transition, address issues early, and ensure accountability doesn’t get lost between systems or teams.
Forto uses its own proprietary technology and freight-forwarding TMS, Faro, allowing us to produce, curate, and manage our own data. The result is tighter workflows, more consistent data quality, and better alignment between planning, execution, and visibility.

Forto’s AI-optimized processes increase efficiency across the shipment lifecycle, while logistics experts manage operations and performance. This combination enables consistent, reliable day-to-day operations across global shipments.

For a deeper look at how Forto’s customer-centric approach brings technology and expertise together, explore our article on Customer-centric logistics services.